How Do I Reset My Arlo Pro 2 Camera Quick Guide

To reset your Arlo Pro 2 camera, press and hold the reset button on the bottom for 10 seconds until the LED flashes amber. This quick factory reset erases all settings and reconnects the camera to your base station, ideal for troubleshooting or preparing for a new setup. Always ensure your base station is powered on during the process for seamless re-pairing.

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the camera’s side for the reset.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to start.
• Wait for LED blink: Release when the LED flashes amber, indicating reset mode.
• Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Re-add the camera to your Arlo app post-reset.
• Check power source: Ensure camera is powered during the entire reset process.
• Update firmware: Install latest updates to avoid future issues.

Why Resetting Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera Might Be Necessary

Imagine this: you’re trying to access your Arlo Pro 2 camera feed, but it’s not connecting. Maybe the app keeps showing “offline,” or the live view is frozen. Or perhaps you’re handing the camera off to a new owner and need to wipe your data. Whatever the reason, resetting your Arlo Pro 2 camera can feel like a daunting task—especially if you’ve never done it before. The good news? It’s simpler than you think. Resetting isn’t just about fixing issues; it’s also a way to give your camera a fresh start, improve performance, or prepare it for a new user.

Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, preparing to sell your camera, or just want to start from scratch, knowing how to reset your Arlo Pro 2 camera is a must. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, explain why resets work, and share tips to avoid common pitfalls. Think of this as your friendly, no-jargon walkthrough—no tech degree required. Let’s dive in and get your camera back in action.

Understanding the Arlo Pro 2 Camera and Its Reset Options

What Is the Arlo Pro 2 Camera?

The Arlo Pro 2 is a popular wireless security camera known for its 1080p HD video quality, night vision, and two-way audio. It’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use, with a rechargeable battery and weather-resistant housing. But like any tech device, it can run into issues. Over time, software glitches, network changes, or firmware updates can cause the camera to behave oddly. That’s where resetting comes in.

The Arlo Pro 2 offers two main types of resets: a soft reset (reboot) and a factory reset. Each serves a different purpose, and knowing the difference is key to solving your problem without overcomplicating things.

Soft Reset vs. Factory Reset: What’s the Difference?

A soft reset is like restarting your phone. It refreshes the camera’s connection to the base station or Wi-Fi network without erasing any data. This is ideal if your camera is frozen, slow, or temporarily unresponsive. You’ll keep all your settings, recordings, and account links intact.

A factory reset, on the other hand, wipes everything. It erases all settings, removes the camera from your Arlo account, and restores it to its original state (like it was when you first unboxed it). This is necessary if you’re selling the camera, troubleshooting major issues, or need a clean slate. Just remember: you’ll have to set it up again from scratch afterward.

When Should You Reset Your Camera?

Not every issue requires a full factory reset. Here are common scenarios where resetting makes sense:

• Connectivity problems: Camera shows “offline” or can’t connect to Wi-Fi.
• App errors: Arlo app crashes or fails to load the live feed.
• Performance issues: Camera lags, freezes, or has delayed motion detection.
• Preparing to sell: You want to remove all personal data before handing it off.
• Firmware update fails: The camera gets stuck during an update.

Pro tip: Try a soft reset first. If that doesn’t work, move to a factory reset. This saves time and avoids unnecessary data loss.

How to Soft Reset Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Power Down the Camera

Start by turning off your Arlo Pro 2 camera. If it’s plugged into a power source (like a solar panel or USB cable), unplug it. If it’s battery-powered, remove the battery or press and hold the sync button (located on the side) for 10 seconds until the LED light turns off. This ensures the camera is completely powered down.

Example: I once had a camera stuck in “live view” mode. A simple power-off fixed it—no factory reset needed!

Step 2: Wait and Reconnect

Leave the camera off for at least 30 seconds. This gives the internal components time to reset. Then, reconnect the power source or reinsert the battery. Press the sync button again until the LED light blinks amber (indicating it’s powering on).

Tip: If the camera is connected to a base station, wait for it to re-pair. The LED should turn solid green when it’s ready.

Step 3: Check the Arlo App

Open the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. Navigate to the camera’s feed. If it loads without errors, your soft reset worked! If not, try refreshing the app or restarting your phone’s Wi-Fi. Sometimes, the issue is on the app side, not the camera.

Why this works: A soft reset clears temporary glitches in the camera’s memory, similar to restarting a computer. It’s often the quickest fix for minor issues.

Troubleshooting Soft Reset Failures

If your camera still doesn’t respond after a soft reset:

• Ensure the battery is charged or the power source is working.
• Check if the base station (if used) is online and connected to Wi-Fi.
• Move the camera closer to the base station or router to rule out signal issues.
• Restart your router. Network problems can mimic camera issues.

If none of these work, it’s time for a factory reset.

How to Factory Reset Your Arlo Pro 2 Camera (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare for the Reset

Before you factory reset, back up any important recordings. Once the reset is complete, all footage stored on the camera (not in the cloud) will be lost. Also, note that you’ll need to re-add the camera to your Arlo account afterward.

Example: I once reset a camera to fix a motion detection issue—only to realize later I’d lost a week of recordings. Always check your storage first!

Step 2: Use the Sync Button

Here’s how to factory reset your Arlo Pro 2:

1. Power on the camera (if it’s off).
2. Press and hold the sync button for at least 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the LED light to blink blue. This signals the factory reset has started.
4. Release the button. The camera will restart automatically.

Tip: If the LED doesn’t blink blue, press and hold the sync button again for another 10 seconds. Sometimes it takes two tries.

Step 3: Remove the Camera from Your Arlo Account

Even after a factory reset, the camera may still appear in your Arlo app. To fully disconnect it:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Tap the camera’s settings icon (gear symbol).
3. Select “Remove Device”.
4. Confirm the action when prompted.

This ensures the camera is no longer linked to your account, which is crucial if you’re selling it.

Step 4: Re-Set Up the Camera (If Needed)

If you’re keeping the camera, you’ll need to set it up again:

1. Open the Arlo app and tap “Add Device”.
2. Follow the prompts to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network.
3. Name the camera and adjust settings (motion zones, alerts, etc.).

Pro tip: Use the same Wi-Fi network as before. Switching networks can cause pairing issues.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting After a Reset

Camera Won’t Reconnect to Wi-Fi

This is the most common post-reset issue. Here’s how to fix it:

• Check Wi-Fi credentials: Ensure you’re entering the correct password. Case sensitivity matters!
• Reduce interference: Move the camera closer to the router during setup.
• Restart the router: A fresh network connection often resolves pairing problems.
• Reset the base station: If you use a base station, power-cycle it (unplug for 30 seconds).

Real-world example: A friend’s camera kept failing to connect after a reset. Turns out, their Wi-Fi password had a special character the camera didn’t support. Switching to a simpler password fixed it.

LED Light Not Blinking Blue

If the LED stays solid amber or green during a factory reset:

• Try the reset process again, holding the sync button longer (up to 15 seconds).
• Ensure the camera isn’t already in pairing mode (blinking blue).
• Check the battery level. A low battery can interrupt the reset.

App Shows “Camera Offline” After Reset

This usually means the camera hasn’t fully paired with the base station or Wi-Fi. Solutions include:

• Wait 1-2 minutes. Sometimes the camera takes time to reconnect.
• Force-close the Arlo app and reopen it.
• Re-add the camera to your account (follow the setup steps above).

Data Table: Arlo Pro 2 Reset Scenarios and Solutions

Issue	Soft Reset Fix?	Factory Reset Fix?	Additional Steps
Camera frozen/unresponsive	✅ Yes	❌ Not needed	Power off/on; check battery
Wi-Fi connection failed	❌ Unlikely	✅ Yes	Re-enter Wi-Fi password; reduce interference
Camera stuck in pairing mode	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Hold sync button longer; restart base station
Preparing to sell camera	❌ No	✅ Yes	Remove from Arlo app; confirm no data remains
Firmware update error	❌ Unlikely	✅ Yes	Update firmware via app after reset

Final Tips and Best Practices for Resetting Your Arlo Pro 2

Prevent Future Issues

Resets are reactive, but you can avoid them with proactive care:

• Update firmware regularly: Arlo releases updates to fix bugs. Enable automatic updates in the app.
• Monitor battery life: A dying battery can cause connectivity drops. Recharge every 2-3 months.
• Keep cameras clean: Dust or moisture on the lens can trigger false motion alerts.
• Use a strong Wi-Fi signal: Weak signals cause cameras to drop offline. Consider a Wi-Fi extender.

When to Contact Arlo Support

Resetting fixes most issues, but some problems require professional help:

• The camera doesn’t power on after multiple resets.
• The LED light stays red (indicates a hardware fault).
• You’re unable to pair the camera after a factory reset.

Arlo’s support team is responsive and offers step-by-step guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re stuck.

Final Thoughts: Resetting Is a Lifesaver

Resetting your Arlo Pro 2 camera isn’t just a fix—it’s a tool for better security. Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or sharing the camera with someone new, knowing how to reset it empowers you to take control. And remember: a soft reset is your first line of defense, while a factory reset is the nuclear option (but sometimes necessary).

Now that you’ve got this guide, you’re ready to handle any Arlo Pro 2 hiccup with confidence. So the next time your camera acts up, don’t panic. Grab your sync button, follow these steps, and enjoy peace of mind—your home security is back in your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset my Arlo Pro 2 camera to factory settings?

To reset your Arlo Pro 2 camera, press and hold the sync button (located on the side) for 10–15 seconds until the LED blinks amber. This restores it to factory settings, erasing all custom configurations.

Why would I need to reset my Arlo Pro 2 camera?

A reset is useful if you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, selling the camera, or reconfiguring it for a new account. It ensures the device starts fresh with default settings.

Does resetting my Arlo Pro 2 remove it from my account?

Yes, a factory reset removes the camera from your Arlo account. You’ll need to re-add it via the Arlo app after the reset is complete.

How do I reset my Arlo Pro 2 if the app isn’t connecting?

If the app fails to connect, perform a physical reset by holding the sync button for 10–15 seconds. The camera will restart and appear as “unclaimed” in the app.

Will resetting my Arlo Pro 2 delete cloud recordings?

No, a camera reset only affects local settings and device pairing. Your cloud recordings remain safe in your Arlo account, but you may need to re-enable subscriptions after re-adding the camera.

What’s the difference between restarting and resetting my Arlo Pro 2?

Restarting (power cycling) simply turns the camera off and on, while a reset erases all settings. Use a reset only when necessary, as it requires full reconfiguration.